STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1553

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 476, 530

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 476 and 530, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Advisory Board on Veterans' Services

G.M. No. 476	PATRICIA ANN WIELAND, for a term to expire 6-30-2013; and
G.M. No. 530	NORMAN S. STAHL, for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Patricia Ann Wieland and Norman S. Stahl to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Patricia Ann Wieland was submitted by one state agency.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Ms. Wieland currently works as the Hawaii Voluntary Service Program Manager for the Veterans Administration at the Spark Matsunaga Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic at Tripler Hospital.  Prior to her current position, Ms. Wieland obtained extensive experience in various capacities within the federal government for more than twenty years.  She has also been a member of the Navy Reserves for twenty-one years.  Additionally, Ms. Wieland's extensive involvement in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and the American Legion adds to her knowledge and experience with veterans' issues.  Ms. Wieland has been a member of the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services since 2007, providing invaluable insight and input concerning veterans' issues.

     Your Committee finds that the reappointment of Ms. Wieland to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services representing Oahu will continue to provide the Board with a unique insight and breadth of experience in veterans' issues.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Norman S. Stahl was submitted by one state agency, one private organization, and one private individual.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Dr. Stahl received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science from the California State University, Fresno, a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Arts Degree, Higher Education and Organizational Change from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education (Research Emphasis in Career Development) from the University of California, Los Angeles.  He is currently the Director of Career Services at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  Dr. Stahl is very involved in veterans' affairs, with the Hawaii County Veterans Advisory Board and the Big Island Retired Military Association.  Additionally, as a Marine, Dr. Stahl rose from enlisted ranks to commissioned officer, with service in Vietnam.  Thereafter, he continued to serve his country as a Marine on active duty for twenty-two years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Stahl's experiences in education, counseling, and psychology will truly benefit the Board objectives.  Moreover, as a veteran, Dr. Stahl brings much understanding and concern for issues of all Hawaii's veterans.   

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,

____________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair